ALEXANDRIA, VA and EAGAN, MN -- February 13, 2003 -- IDEAlliance today announced a study designed to help the print media industry frame key issues and possible approaches to enhance the application of information technology to business and production processes. The study, initiated with the support of WAMNET, the project's first sponsor, was revealed by David Steinhardt, CEO of IDEAlliance, during the 2003 PRIMEX Conference. A completed report is expected to be shared at SPECTRUM Conference 2003, September 13-16, in Tucson, Arizona. Today, it's difficult to determine how best to enhance information technology and data infrastructure to support the business and production application requirements for partners across the print supply chain. "There are many new standards initiatives that are confusing to many of the players in the print supply chain -- including print buyers, advertising agencies, publishers, printers, and suppliers," observes Mr. Steinhardt. "Many pieces of the print media information technology puzzle need to be addressed, such as the application of approaches like XML to attach to legacy systems, and the growth of web-based services applications. These are issues the print media industry must address in the next several years to be competitive." Commencing in April, a series of focus groups and executive interviews will be conducted. From the initial research, findings will be developed, and reviewed by the IDEAlliance Board of Directors, before it is released as an Executive Report in September at the SPECTRUM Conference. Topics for research will include: -- The current state of the publishing information infrastructure and trends over the next three years -- How evolving information technology can be used to make publishing more competitive -- cheaper, better, and faster -- Impediments to making the transition -- Key strategic steps that the print media must take to make the transition; developing an agenda for the industry "We're pleased to be taking a leading role in this research project," remarks Bill Marrin, WAM!NET vice president of sales for the printing and publishing markets. "As the leading provider of data distribution and remote storage for the print supply chain, we see the value in tightening the path of business and production processes between print partners. There are many standards, such as JDF, that will impact us all in the near future. We also are very interested in how changes in content management and distribution may affect these processes." IDEAlliance is seeking additional sponsors to join WAM!NET. Sponsors are not limited to vendors -- they may also be publishers or printers who have specific issues to address. Sponsors have the opportunity to contribute specific questions to the focus group study guide and participate as part of the review team with IDEAlliance. Anyone interested may contact Mr. Steinhardt at IDEAlliance.